Chapter 165 The Valdemar Family Banquet 2
Albert also got an invite to the Valdemar Family banquet.
When he got it, he just tossed it on the couch without even opening it. He wanted nothing to do with the Valdemars and the last thing he needed was to see those people he despised at some boring party.
But right after he threw it away, he paused.
Hayden's words echoed in his mind, and for the first time, Albert hesitated.
The suicide of his mom, Sarah Martinez, had hit him hard. He even had a car accident because of it and lost all memory of the family drama and everything that followed.
Albert's memory was stuck on the day Sarah sent them back to the countryside.
That day, David and Albert were supposed to go back to the countryside, and Sarahwas smiling as she packed their bags.
David locked himself in his room and refused to come out, while Albert sat next to Sarah, looking at her with a pout, not wanting to leave her.
Sensing his unhappiness, Sarah smiled and said, "Don't be mad. Even without your dad, I'll give you all the love you need. Sending you to the countryside for a while doesn't mean I won't bring you back."
Young Albert didn't get it and frowned, asking, "Why aren't you coming with us to Grandpa's house?"
Sarah thought for a moment and smiled mysteriously. "I need to fight for what's ours."
Albert didn't know if it was his imagination, but he saw deep sorrow in Sarah's eyes, along with an indomitable spirit.
Albert felt encouraged. "I want to stay too."
He thought, 'I'm grown up now and can be your support.'
But Sarah still smiled and shook her head, looking at Albert with relief. "That's my job. You don't need to be involved right now."
After Sarah's death, Albert was always drowning in his emotions. He blamed the Valdemars for Sarah's suicide and wanted to fight them, but never realized that since Sarah was so determined to fight back then, why she suddenly committed suicide.
Back then, Hayden really loved Sarah. She was a go-getter, always getting things done. The Luken branch of North Airlines was raking in the cash. Plus, her own family was doing well. Even if she divorced James, she wouldn't have just sat around.
Hayden's words were a reminder that Sarah's suicide was definitely fishy and there was some mystery behind it. Albert had always hated the Valdemars but had never thought to find out the truth.
Thinking of this, Albert clenched his fists and immediately changed his clothes to head out.
There wasn't much time left before the banquet started, and Albert drove quickly.
At the hotel entrance, just as Albert was about to go in, he heard Violet's voice behind him. "Albert!"
Albert frowned and didn't even pause, but Violet had already jogged up to him.
Violet smiled, looking up at Albert's chin. "Why are you in casual clothes today? Why didn't you dress up for the family banquet?"
Albert pressed his lips together and walked inside, not in the mood to respond.
"I heard today's banquet is a dance party. If you don't have a date, you'll be totally roasted!" Violet kept following him, genuinely suggesting, "How about we go in together? It'd be less embarrassing. You don't want everyone staring at you, right?"
Albert's eyes flashed with impatience. "No need."
Violet shrugged, looking indifferent. "Just walking in together, why are you so resistant?"
Hearing this, Albert glanced at Violet and finally didn't refuse.
Noticing that, Violet took the chance to try and link arms with Albert as they walked into the hotel.
Albert instinctively shook off Violet's hand. He turned back, looking at Violet with a serious expression. "No need for that."
Violet was stunned by his stern gaze and serious demeanor, and after a moment, she lowered her eyes in disappointment. "Alright."
The grand chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its intricate lights casting a cold glow on everyone, illuminating each person clearly. Albert's gaze swept over these people, and his aura grew even more somber.
The next second, his eyes were drawn to Yvette.
Yvette, in a light pink evening gown, her long hair loosely tied up, with two strands of hair hanging by her ears, looked gentle and charming. Her skin was very fair, and as she walked through the crowd, her slightly reserved expression made her the only clear figure in the scene, with everyone else merely her backdrop.
Albert's gaze was fixed on Yvette. He was about to go to her, but paused when he saw who she was following.
Albert's gaze darkened; Yvette was hurrying towards David. His Adam's apple bobbed, and for a moment, he couldn't move.
Violet, noticing Albert's unusual behavior, followed his gaze and her expression became somewhat subtle. She looked at Albert thoughtfully and said softly, "Albert, it seems Yvette and David are quite close."
Albert watched Yvette and David walking together, his jaw tight, unable to say a word in rebuttal.
When Yvette turned and met Albert's gaze, their eyes locked, and for a moment, they were both lost.
Yvette, momentarily dazed, instinctively looked away, only to see Violet beside him.
Violet, in a pure white gown, tall and graceful, stood next to him, looking up at him with tender eyes.
Yvette gave a bitter smile. She thought, 'No wonder I cann't find Hayden and don't know what he wants to say to me. Maybe Hayden doesn't want to see me. Everything he wants to say is hidden in this scene. Maybe he just wants me to see this and then back off.'
Thinking about the embarrassing moments she had experienced at the banquet in such a short time, Yvette felt utterly humiliated.
Yvette lowered her eyes and said to David, "I'm leaving."
David, who had also got it, narrowed his eyes slightly and grabbed Yvette's hand. "I told you to stay with me."
Yvette looked at David in confusion. "Do you still need something?"
David blinked and pointed to the other guests. "They're having a dance party at the banquet, and I'm stuck without a date. "
